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Science News Archive November 2017


Page 41 of 42

An early Christmas present: Scientists have unwrapped the reindeer genome

A team of Chinese researchers has sequenced and analyzed the reindeer genome, revealing unique features such as a smaller genome size and 335 genes specific to the species. The findings provide valuable resources for understanding the processes of evolution, domestication, and adaptation to extreme environments.

UM scientist awarded grant aimed to increase aquaculture production in the US

University of Miami Professor Daniel Benetti has been awarded a $967,000 grant from NOAA to develop hatchery technology for three economically important marine fish species. The project aims to create an affordable supply of seed for commercial producers, relieving pressure on wild stocks without negative economic impacts.

Survey findings: 4 in 10 healthcare professionals work while sick

A survey of 1,914 healthcare professionals found that four in 10 opt to work while experiencing influenza-like illness, putting patients at risk. Hospital-based providers are among the most likely to do so, highlighting the need for updated paid sick leave policies and tailored strategies to promote healthy choices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Treatment for dogs alleviates fear of noisy fireworks

A study published in Veterinary Record shows that dexmedetomidine gel significantly reduces behaviors related to fear and anxiety in dogs during fireworks displays. The treatment has been found to be safe and effective, with 72% of dogs showing good or excellent treatment effect.

PARP inhibitor may be effective against some TNBC lacking BRCA mutations

Researchers found that PARP inhibitor talazoparib caused regression of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) lacking BRCA mutations. The study suggests that PARP inhibitors may be effective in selected patients with other alterations in DNA damage repair genes.

Oregon team says physics explains protein unpredictability

University of Oregon researchers used computer simulations to study the evolution of proteins and found that basic physical limitations make uncertainty the norm. The team's findings confirm what many people in the field have observed: unpredictability is universal in biological systems.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Babies can use context to look for things, study demonstrates

A new study demonstrates that babies can learn, remember and use contextual cues in a scene to guide their search for objects of interest. The study found that 6-month-old babies showed steady improvement in finding faces in repeated scenes, but didn't get any quicker or more accurate in finding faces in new scenes.

NASA investigates invisible magnetic bubbles in outer solar system

NASA has launched a fleet of missions to study the planets in our solar system, revealing unique features of each planet's magnetosphere. Earth's and other magnetospheres deflect charged particles away from the planet, but also trap energetic particles in radiation belts.

Zebra 'poo science' improves conservation efforts

Researchers used 'poo science' to analyze glucocorticoid hormones in Cape mountain zebra droppings, revealing chronic stress impacting their health and reproduction. The study identified seven populations with distinct profiles, enabling conservationists to identify at-risk populations and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation plans.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

One year results from the REDUCE trial reported at TCT 2017

The REDUCE trial found no difference in all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis between three and 12 months of DAPT. Major bleeding rates were similar among treatment arms, but overall mortality rates differed slightly at 1.9% vs 0.8%

Luck plays a role in how language evolves, Penn team finds

A team of linguists and evolutionary biologists found certain linguistic changes occurred due to selective forces, while others were guided by chance. The study analyzed substantial collections of annotated texts and identified patterns where random chance affected rare words more than common ones.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Chimpanzees shown spontaneously 'taking turns' to solve number puzzle

A new study shows that chimpanzees can work together without external cues to complete a number sequencing task, demonstrating advanced coordination skills. Young chimpanzees showed higher accuracy and speed in taking turns, while mothers were faster individually, highlighting asymmetry in information transmission.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

The fingerprints of coastal carbon sinks

Researchers have developed a new technique, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), to accurately measure soil carbon levels in coastal wetlands like mangrove forests. This method has higher accuracy and is non-toxic, fast, and inexpensive, making it suitable for large-scale monitoring.

How songbirds learn a new song

Researchers found that songbirds break down the complex task of learning a new song into manageable parts, using a strategy similar to computer algorithms. This approach allows them to adapt their songs with minimal effort and expand their repertoire.

Riding the bike to work is just as effective as leisure time exercise

Researchers from University of Copenhagen find that cycling to and from work is just as effective in reducing fat mass as moderate- or high-intensity leisure-time exercise. The study involved 130 overweight participants who cycled, exercised, or did neither for six months, with significant weight loss found in all groups.

Molybdenum in Wisconsin wells not from coal ash

Researchers from Duke University and Ohio State University found that high levels of molybdenum in Wisconsin drinking water wells come from natural sources, not coal ash. The study used forensic isotopic 'fingerprinting' and age-dating techniques to determine the contamination's origin.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Close friends linked to a sharper memory

A new study found that SuperAgers -- people aged 80+ with exceptional cognitive ability -- report more satisfying relationships compared to their peers. This association suggests that maintaining strong social networks may be linked to slower cognitive decline.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Vitamin E discovery in maize could lead to more nutritious crop

New research has identified genes controlling vitamin E content in maize grain, a finding that could lead to improving the nutritional profile of this staple crop. Six genes were discovered to encode proteins contributing to antioxidant compounds called tocochromanols, also known as vitamin E.

Alcohol makes rats more vulnerable to compulsive cocaine use

A new study found that prior alcohol exposure enhances cocaine-seeking behavior in rats, promoting degradation of HDAC4 and HDAC5 proteins. This breakdown creates a permissive environment for cocaine-induced gene expression, increasing vulnerability to compulsive use.

Understanding addiction in the adolescent mind

Researchers have developed a new method using synthetic DNA aptamers to measure cocaine's effect on the brain in real-time with high resolution. The study aims to answer whether age-related differences are due to neuron sensitivity or drug concentration in specific brain areas.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Is he really that into you?

Women who experienced painful father-child relationships perceive greater mating intent in men and exhibit increased sexual arousal when viewing male faces. This study highlights the potential for early childhood experiences to shape adult mating behavior and increase the likelihood of engaging in unrestricted or risky sexual activity.

New Greenland maps show more glaciers at risk

Researchers have created high-resolution maps of Greenland's bedrock and coastal seafloor, showing that two to four times more glacier fronts are at risk of accelerated melting than previously thought. The new data suggests that warmer ocean water is melting deeper-seated glaciers, potentially increasing sea level rise.

Your bones affect your appetite -- and your metabolism!

A recent study discovered that a bone hormone called osteocalcin regulates appetite and energy expenditure. Researchers found that removing an enzyme responsible for activating osteocalcin reduced mice's appetite and increased blood glucose levels.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

From quantum physicist to quantum CEO

Q-Ctrl, founded by University of Sydney's Professor Michael Biercuk, aims to provide trusted quantum control solutions for various industries. The company has attracted multimillion-dollar investments and is focused on reducing qubit errors to improve the performance of quantum devices.

Researchers find low genetic diversity in domestic ferrets

Researchers discovered low genetic diversity in domestic ferrets globally, making them more susceptible to diseases and disorders. The study highlights the importance of incorporating genetically diverse ferrets from other countries into breeding programs to minimize inbreeding and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Penn researchers demonstrate how to control liquid crystal patterns

Researchers at Penn University have demonstrated the ability to control liquid crystal patterns, which could be useful in creating patchy colloids and microscopic particles with functionalized surfaces. The study was led by Lisa Tran and Randall Kamien and has potential applications in biosensing and energy harvesting.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Invasive weevil threatens California's palm trees and date industry

The invasive South American palm weevil is killing California's iconic palm trees and threatening the state's $89 million-per-year date industry. Researchers are developing semiochemical formulations to monitor and control populations in an effective, economical, and environmentally-friendly manner.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Transgender women take triple the number of HIV tests as trans men

A new study from the University at Buffalo found that transgender women, African-Americans, and Hispanics are more likely to receive HIV testing than trans men, whites, or those with stable housing. The research aimed to identify barriers to HIV testing in urban transgender individuals.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Are some natural environments more psychologically beneficial than others?

A new study reveals that spending time in rural and coastal locations has a greater positive impact on psychological well-being compared to urban green spaces. Visits to natural areas with protected status and longer durations are associated with stronger emotional connections and improved mental health.

Why do some obese people have 'healthier' fat tissue than others?

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that some obese adults store their body fat more healthily than others, breaking down fat at slower rates and having fewer inflammatory cells. Aerobic exercise may lead to healthier fat storage, with regular exercisers showing increased blood vessels in their fat tissue.

U of G researchers provide fisheries a solution to overharvesting

University of Guelph researchers have developed a model that allows fisheries to meet rising consumer demand while ensuring adequate income and replenishment of natural stocks. The model encourages fisheries to reduce short-term harvests to realize higher long-term yields, promoting sustainable fishing practices.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Jellyfish-inspired electronic skin glows when it gets hurt

Researchers developed an electronic skin that glows when subjected to high-pressure, mimicking the Atolla jellyfish's bioluminescent response. This innovation improves prosthetics and robotics by detecting a wider range of pressures, addressing the limitations of current technologies.

Landmark asbestos study published in The Lancet Public Health

A landmark study published in The Lancet Public Health has found a link between living in houses with loose-fill asbestos insulation and an increased risk of mesothelioma and colorectal cancer. Men were 2.5 times more likely to develop mesothelioma, while rates of colorectal cancer were higher in both men and women who had lived in con...

Physicists describe new dark matter detection strategy

Researchers propose a new method for directly detecting dark matter by exploiting the interaction between superfluid helium and potential dark matter particles. The strategy involves a tub of helium and a positively charged metal pin array to amplify the tiny energy signature of a released atom, enabling the detection of single atoms a...